"Where did you go? I've about had it with the ELCA myself."
Haven't found a home, yet. My mom went Methodist years ago, but that was only because she was kicked out of our Lutheran church for her "affair" with a guy she later married. (I'm so proud! *Rolleyes*) I've attended her church and there is too much goofing around for me. All potatoes, no meat.
If you think of something, let me know. Not sure if I can go the whole Catholic length, but it's under consideration.
We Catholics would welcome you with open arms (a former Congregationalist)! My opinion is somewhat like Ben Franklin -- we Christians had better hang together -- or hang separately! Christians are under seige!
As a former Lutheran I can say, give it some serious thought. I was born and raised a Lutheran and stayed that way until I was 36 and converted to RC. I'm glad I did. Do a little research into it with an open mind and I think you will be glad you did. (I'll get off my soapbox now) :o)
I don't think I could ever go Catholic neither. I don't have anything at all against Catholics, but I'm definitely a Protestant. I've thought Baptist, too, but likely will give the LCMS a try before I'd make that move. It isn't so much that my local church is that bad, as it is me picturing my money ending up in the hands of NCC'ers and other terrible groups the ELCA is involved with. I'm an older single guy too, so church's are uncomfortable to start with, being family-oriented, so comfort is of a lot of concern, and staying Lutheran in some form would be preferrable.
I attend an ELCA church (very blue state church) in the heart of one of the reddest of states (OK). My wife and I have really been struggling with whether to stay or find another church. There are Baptist churches (love you guys!) on nearly every corner.
But I was raised Southern Baptist and found the "by grace alone" message of the Lutherans both comforting and reassuring and since communing at this church I feel I've grown spiritually and have developed a mature and deeper love of Christ's sacrifice. I greatly respect our Baptist brethren's devotion to the great commission and their scripture-first stances against all that is PC. My wife, however, was raised Lutheran and I think the loss of the liturgy would be too much.
Also, kids (12, 10 and 6) have known no other church.
My mother recently left her Episcopal church and is communing at an Anglican splinter church. Good for her.
Missouri Synod (or Wisconsin) makes all the sense in the world, but her family might disown us. So it's either ELCA or some other liturgy-based communion.